WRLA reaches out to governments

WINNIPEG — In a letter to Manitoba Economic Development Minister Ralph Eichler, Liz Kovach, president of the Western Retail Lumber Association, has stressed that the “building supply industry extends into every community across the country contributing to the very fabric of Canada.” The WRLA is seeking a meeting with the minister to discuss its proposals for support to the industry, including new reno tax credits and revised criteria for government support programs. For many retailers, “if this continues on for too long, they’ll have to close their doors,” Kovach told CTV News. “They’re a lot of independent business owners. It’s mom and pop shops. It’s no different from the local coffee shop.”